The Faire has changed overmuch since I worked there in 1994. It used to be that everyone of the employees of the subcontractors put on a fake Elizabethan accent, dressed the part, and stayed, more-or-less, in character. Now there are subcontractor anachronisms (references to Twinkies and video games) and, most distressingly, no accents. Attendees wear cosplay outfits and carry (gasp!) cellular phones. A few of the food stands were closed and shuttered. I saw no pub wenches. I saw no bosoms filled with cash. There was no catty banter between vendors and customers. The “artisans” had no hand-bound books, no hand-made shoes, no turned wood cups, no stained glass, not even cut flowers. There were no traditional arts. It was factory goods, mostly, and some hand-made play swords. Sad, for me. I wanted something that was no longer.

Nonetheless, the children had a blast. Mom rented them costumes. There was music and juggling. The shows by the Wyldewood Players were, by far, the best. Akiva found a new favorite musical group: Wolgemut. We went home with two anachronistic CDs.

The stage at the House of Physic made a fine backdrop for portraiture.

I could have taken more, in varied places, but I did not.

A roguish boy in hunter’s garb—

A pretty young wench—

Some dual portraiture—

In the morning, we go to Michaela’s farm.

In the afternoon, we go to the Shelburne Museum.

In the evening, Neil and Akiva play soccer.

Neil is extremely good at announcing the plays.

Looking at this picture, you could not imagine how many people are playing the game!

At golden hour, the setting sun pinks the white house.

Akiva guards the ball during a short break.

When the house turns from sunset pink to evening grey,

Neil, completely spent, uses the “massive man” blocking maneuver on Akiva.

After Iris and Chloe come back from their walk,

It is time for bed.

In honor of his 9th birthday, Akiva requested that I attend his first softball game.